Work

Inequality in Global Public Health Risk Information: Implications for Sustainable Health Governance Between Africa and Other Regions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Public health emergencies of international concern (PHEIC) generate worldwide public health impacts, making the international dissemination of risk information critically important for both global health governance and sustainable development. The global media system facilitates this dissemination through collaborative and interdependent networks, enhancing mutual understanding and strengthening the resilience of global health communication systems. This study examines PHEIC-related information flows by constructing and analyzing news citation networks during multiple outbreaks to characterize patterns of information exchange between Africa and other regions. We identify key participants, analyze thematic structures, and investigate the structural determinants influencing information flow. The results reveal significant inequalities in public health risk information exchange between Africa and other world regions, evident in participant composition, engagement modes, thematic focus, and interaction intensity. These asymmetries reflect underlying disparities in global communication capacity and socioeconomic development, indicating that information inequality has become a critical dimension of global health and sustainability challenges. Promoting equitable access to public health information and strengthening Africa’s media and communication capacity are essential steps toward achieving inclusive, resilient, and sustainable global health governance.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su172210218

Authors: Hua Guo, Yanli Zhou

Institution: Hohai University

Language: English

Topic: Public Relations and Crisis Communication

Subfield: Communication

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Partnerships for the goals, Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896